Even amid growing economic disruption wrought by the pandemic, beauty and vibrancy can still be found all around Chicago, and there’s no place we’d rather live than right here. At Wilks Communications Group, we feel a responsibility to ensure the health of our hometown by supporting local businesses.

Our favorite neighborhood haunts play a vital role in each of our lives, lending character, vibrancy and charm to communities and a sense of much-needed connectedness with our neighbors. Moreover, when you shop at a small business, you’re not just helping a local entrepreneur, you’re directly contributing to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding community through tax revenue and job creation.

This is especially true in Chicago, where a recent study from ICIC (Initiative for a Competitive Inner City) found that a whopping 58% of jobs in Chicago have been created by businesses with fewer than 250 employees. Think about that the next time you are adding something you could purchase locally to your cart on Amazon!

Ahead of Small Business Saturday on November 28, here is a list of a dozen of our favorite hidden neighborhood gems, compiled by WCG staff:

Women and Children First
Neighborhood: Andersonville
Type of Business: Independent bookstore

Don’t miss this neighborhood bookstore! This warm, inviting, feminist book shop in Andersonville has been celebrating and amplifying underrepresented voices since 1979, and is the perfect home away from home. Don’t be afraid to come for the book signings as Women and Children First put guest safety and comfort above all else, offering diligent policies on store capacity and face coverings while also making hand sanitizer freely available.

Printer’s Row Wine Shop
Neighborhood: Printer’s Row
Type of Business: Wine, Beer & Small Batch Spirits

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s historic Printers Row neighborhood for over 10 years, Printer’s Row Wine Shop offers a curated collection of affordable artisanal wines, local craft beer and small batch spirits from all over the world. Since COVID-19, the shop has also opened a beautiful sidewalk wine and beer garden with daily drink specials. We also recommend heading next door for a coffee at the Grail Café (Black-owned business) to enjoy with your libation.

Semicolon Bookstore
Neighborhood: River West
Type of Business: Independent Bookstore

Step off the Blue Line at Grand and stop in at local gem, Semicolon Bookstore. This Black- and woman-owned bookstore and gallery space offers customers a pleasant ambiance and a phenomenal selection of literature. Semicolon is committed to giving back to the community, and staff will make you feel right at home, offering words of welcome and friendly assistance when required.

Adornment + Theory
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Type of Business: Independent Jewelry Store

This independent jewelry store specializes in artist and designer jewelry, working with emerging creatives. Owner Viviana Langhoff is a brilliant jewelry designer in her own right and focuses on one-of-a-kind statement pieces and custom bridal designs. In fact, she designed a delighted employees engagement ring and wedding band!

The Careful Peach
Neighborhood: Oak Park
Type of Business: Boutique

At Careful Peach, owner Karen Morava offers a unique and carefully selected assortment of apothecary luxuries, handmade jewelry, accessories, stationery, gourmet foods, cooking accessories, home decor, and more. The store carries a mixture of vintage and new products from Europe and America with a focus on being eco- and socially conscious.

Foursided
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Type of Business: Boutique

This is one of the city’s best boutiques for unique custom framing and antique & vintage finds. Offering a large selection for Lakeview customers of curated handmade greeting cards, local and regional art, prints, and gifts—including candles, jewelry, kitschy finds – Foursided brings imagination to life.

Virtu
Neighborhood: Bucktown
Type of Business: Gift Boutique

Part of the fabric of the neighborhood, this beautiful gift and jewelry shop has been independently owned and operated for nearly 20 years. According to the owner Julie, “almost all that we have to offer has been designed and made by hand by someone and not something.” Go here for gifts, to cheer yourself up, or for that special little something.

City Soles
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Type of Business: Men’s and Women’s Footwear

For nearly 25 years, Scott Starbuck has been carrying unique fashion and footwear from around the world, seeking to provide sophisticated, luxurious, and all-around avant-garde merchandise. The shoes here are sure to turn heads, so if you like your footwear fun and funky this is the spot for you!

Side Project Coffee
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Type of Business: Coffee Shop

Side Project is Filipino-owned café that sells a variety of different drinks (including a Purple Ube Chai latte) and pastries each month. Every weekend they showcase a small business in their shop– thus the term “side project”. This October, they are celebrating Chicago-based Filipino businesses to celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month.

Jibaritos on Harlem
Neighborhood: Dunning (Northwest side)
Type of Business: Puerto Rican/Latin American Restaurant

Jibaritos on Harlem is a Puerto Rican and Latin American restaurant located in the Dunning neighborhood. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the service is always quick. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a meat eater or a vegetarian.

Tango Sur
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Type of Business: Argentinian Restaurant

Wonderful BYO Argentinian restaurant prefect for date night. Tango Sur doesn’t accept reservations, so show up early or late to avoid the wait. For your best social distancing option, stop by the Bodega Sur next door for a glass of wine, or pick up fresh empanadas and steak to make at home.

New Rebozo
Neighborhood: Oak Park
Type of Business: Mexican Restaurant

Chef Paco, a.k.a. Francisco Lopez, has brought his wonderful authentic recipes to Oak Park, creating a local favorite for two decades. Chef Paco’s menu items are innovative but informed by tradition and make use of seasonal ingredients and family recipes. Make sure to try out his original mole creations.

Businesses and organizations like these are why we choose to live and work in Chicago. We believe in the spirit, strength, and resilience of this city as much as we believe in our agency and ourselves. If you would like to share your Chicago favorites or learn how to join our dynamic team of creatives at WCG, e-mail us at hello@wilksgrp.com, and click here to download our informative map!